The 6-kilometre rail trail connecting to the Boynedale Bush Camp will soon be extended by a further 4 kilometres, thanks to $486,000 in funding from the Queensland Government.
The existing Four Mile Scrub to Boynedale Bush Camp Rail Trail is managed and maintained by Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) and was officially opened in June 2023.
The new 4km section will extend the rail trail from the Boynedale Bush Camp (also managed and maintained by GAWB) to the Gladstone-Monto Road.
The extension will feature similar features to the existing GAWB-managed rail trail, including timber gateway entrances, timber bench seating, and wayfinding signage.
The extension has been funded by a grant from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, as part of the Rail Trail Grants program, with any funding required above the grant amount to be financed by GAWB.
This funding is part of a wider $1.6 million package for the Boyne Burnett Inland Rail Trail upgrade and extension.
The existing Four Mile Scrub to Boynedale Bush Camp Rail Trail will remain open while works are underway in the extended area, with the extension expected to open to the public in July 2026.
Gladstone Area Water Board CEO Darren Barlow says GAWB is delighted to provide further recreational facilities for the local community.
“When we opened the Four Mile Scrub to Boynedale Bush Camp Rail Trail in mid-2023, we had no idea that the trail would be so popular with walkers and cyclists,” Mr Barlow said.
“Local groups have embraced the rail trail with several community-focused events including the Boyne Valley 50 trail run, which GAWB has been delighted to sponsor since its inception two years ago.
“GAWB owns and manages a considerable area around Lake Awoonga, to ensure our waterway catchment is kept pest and weed free.
“The extension to our existing rail trail is an excellent way to open the land in a managed and sustainable way, while maintaining our environmental protections around Lake Awoonga.
“The rail trail connects to the much-loved recreational areas around Lake Awoonga, and locals and tourists will have even more of an incentive to experience the outstanding hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities available in Central Queensland.”
Member for Callide Bryson Head said the Crisafulli Government was providing historic support for regional Queenslanders.
“We’re backing rural and regional Queenslanders, and projects like this get to the heart of what the Crisafulli Government is all about,” Mr Head said.
“By investing in these projects we’re giving regions the opportunity to not just survive but thrive well into the future.”
Walkers and cyclists are encouraged to use the existing Four Mile Scrub to Boynedale Bush Camp Rail Trail at their leisure, noting horse riding is prohibited on this section of rail trail.
A basic facility, the Boynedale Bush Camp is provided free to the public for camping and has established toilet facilities, shelters, fire pits and an adjacent boat ramp. There’s also a lookout nearby which provides great views of Lake Awoonga and Castle Tower National Park.